What does an HR Manager do?
An HR Manager oversees recruitment activities, ensuring that your company has the right number of employees with the skills you need most. They develop policies and procedures that can increase efficiency, improve employee satisfaction and make it easier to attract quality candidates. An HR Manager also supports employee development, which contributes to stability.
HR Manager skills and qualifications
A successful HR Manager candidate will have a variety of skills and qualifications. This role involves frequent communication with employees, so you might want to look for a candidate who’s comfortable with public speaking and has excellent writing skills. It’s also helpful for an HR Manager to have effective leadership skills.
Consider searching for candidates with the following skills:
- Proficiency with HR software, such as ADP Workforce Now for payroll or Zenefits for benefits management
- Extensive knowledge of HR principles and processes
- Competence in using HR data to make strategic decisions
- Effective interpersonal communication skills
- Ability to manage change effectively
- Skill in aligning HR programs with company goals
HR Manager experience requirements
HR Manager is a senior-level role, so consider interviewing applicants with relevant skills, such as emotional intelligence and conflict resolution. You might want to schedule interviews with candidates who have previous experience as an HR Generalist, HR Analyst, Employee Relations Manager or Labor Relations Specialist.
HR Manager education and training requirements
While many employers may look for candidates with a bachelor’s degree in human resources, business administration or a related field, an HR Manager doesn’t necessarily need a formal degree to be effective in the role. If you’re using a skills-first hiring approach, you might prioritize candidates with hands-on HR experience over academic credentials or those with a professional background as Office Managers, Recruiters or Operations Leads.
Consider interviewing candidates who list HR Generalist, HR Coordinator or HR Analyst roles on their applications. Some employers require specialty certifications, such as Professional in Human Resources or the Society for Human Resource Management-Certified Professional.
HR Manager salary expectations
The average annual salary for an HR Manager in the United States is $84,403, according to Indeed Salaries data. Several factors can affect an HR Manager’s salary, such as your location, your company’s policies and the candidate’s level of experience.
HR Manager salary expectations
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Common salary:
85045.46 YEARLY -
Typical salaries range from
28000.00 -173000.00 YEARLY - Find more information on Indeed Salaries
*Indeed data –
Job description samples for similar positions
If an HR Manager isn’t exactly the right fit for your needs, here are job description samples for similar positions:
- Human Resources Business Partner
- Human Resources Coordinator
- Human Resources Director
- Human Resources Generalist
HR Manager job description
What technologies does an HR Manager use regularly?
An HR Manager uses several types of software to perform their duties. Consider hiring a candidate with experience using Microsoft Office to prepare reports, analyze compensation data and create presentations. It’s also helpful to hire an HR Manager with experience using a human resources information system (HRIS), such as BambooHR, Workday, Gusto or SAP SuccessFactors. HR Managers may also use specialized software for compliance activities.
Should our HR Manager be involved in strategic planning?
Yes, you might want to include your HR Manager in strategic planning activities. An effective HR Manager advises company management on workforce issues, so they can provide helpful information about skill gaps, salary trends and other HR issues. HR Managers also oversee employee relations, so they can inform management of any changes in retention or job satisfaction, making it easier to develop long-term business strategies.
How do HR Managers resolve employee conflicts or complaints?
Upon receiving a complaint, an HR Manager typically initiates an investigation. This involves interviewing the complainant, following up with witnesses and determining whether to take further action.
When resolving conflict, the HR Manager meets with affected employees, sets ground rules for the discussion and gives each party a chance to describe the issue in their own words. The HR Manager asks clarifying questions and uses the answers to determine a fair outcome.
How does an HR Manager help improve employee retention?
An effective HR Manager might increase employee retention by implementing new recruitment initiatives, providing additional training opportunities and adjusting a company’s compensation strategy. Implementing new recruiting initiatives can help increase candidate quality, improving the employee experience. When employees have a better experience, they’re more likely to stay with your company.
When you provide additional training opportunities, team members feel valued. This can increase their loyalty, which typically has a positive impact on retention rates. Adjusting your compensation strategy might help employees feel that you’re treating them fairly, improving their overall experience.
*Indeed provides this information as a courtesy to users of this site. Please note that we are not your recruiting or legal advisor, we are not responsible for the content of your job descriptions, and none of the information provided herein guarantees performance.